P0500 code and it’s effect on your BMW vehicles
When you see this P0500 code on any BMW vehicles, this shows the speed sensor has a malfunction. However, the description of the code is a misnomer because when you say speed sensor, it refers to the speed sensor located in the transmission. On this code, the actual sensor being referred to is located on the brake wheel speed sensor located at the rear of the vehicles. This is the common mistake because if you change the speed sensor at the trany, then you just replaced the wrong part.
The rear brake wheel sensor monitors the rotation of the rear wheel to help in controlling your ABS. A lot of times, the sensor has the probe covered with dirt or mud which can cause erroneous signal voltage readings. The same situation of the sensor wirings are damaged. To check the integrity of this rear wheel brake sensor, disconnect it from the reluctor ( a counter with splines or teeth to measure the brake wheel rotation). Then measure the resistance across the sensor which must be around 1000 ohms. Also measure the sensor ac voltage but do it with the sensor connected and wheel raised while being spun.
Next time you see this P0500 code on BMW, remember to disregard the trany sensor located in the transmission but go straight to the rear wheel brake sensor. To make sure you got it right, perform the test on both rear wheels if each rear wheel has its own sensor otherwise one test is enough if there is only one rear wheel brake wheel sensor.
Tip:
If after testing and replacing the rear wheel brake sensor and the P0500 code remains, consider doing a test on the traction control module if such components is available in the vehicle. You will see this if you have a complete wiring diagram of the ABS system and trany wiring circuits. If you need the wiring diagram and online assistance to this , please contact ATS.
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